December is uniquely blessed with not one, but two recognized birthstones: turquoise and tanzanite. Both gemstones offer a vibrant escape from the winter months, each possessing a distinct history, geological origin, and aesthetic appeal. This article will explore the characteristics of these December birthstones, drawing upon available information regarding their historical significance, geological formation, and notable properties.
History and Lore
Turquoise boasts a history stretching back over five millennia, having been cherished by cultures worldwide. Its captivating blue-green hues have made it a prized possession for countless generations. Today, turquoise remains highly valued, particularly within Native American jewelry and the American Southwest, and is sought after by modern jewelry designers and collectors alike. The stone’s appeal lies not only in its color but also in the unique variations found in its matrix, colors, and mine sites, making each piece a unique treasure.
Tanzanite, in contrast, has a much more recent history. Discovered relatively recently near Mount Kilimanjaro, tanzanite quickly gained prominence for its exceptional color and rarity. Its backstory and radiant appearance contribute to its status as a particularly intriguing birthstone.
Geological Formation and Sources
The formation of tanzanite is linked to a complex geological environment dating back nearly 600 million years, during the Ediacaran Period. Intense heat and tectonic activity played a crucial role in its development. Uniquely, tanzanite is found almost exclusively in a small area within the Manyara Region, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Gemologists estimate that tanzanite is up to a thousand times rarer than diamonds, due to the extremely limited geographical area where it is found. The probability of discovering tanzanite elsewhere on Earth is estimated to be around one in a million.
Information regarding the geological formation of turquoise is not provided within the available sources. However, the sources do indicate that turquoise is sourced from various locations globally, and is prized for variations based on mine sites.
Gemological Properties
The provided sources focus primarily on the color and rarity of these gemstones, rather than detailed gemological properties. Turquoise is described as exhibiting a striking color spectrum ranging from sky blue to blue-green. Tanzanite is noted for its balanced hues of rich purple, velvety violet, and vibrant blue.
The sources do not provide information on hardness, luster, streak, breakage, chemical composition, refractive index, or carat weight for either gemstone. However, one source references the exploration of color, hardness, luster, breakage, and streak as part of a student project focused on birthstones.
The following table summarizes the limited gemological information available:
| Gemstone | Color | Rarity |
|---|---|---|
| Turquoise | Sky blue to blue-green | Avid collector market |
| Tanzanite | Rich purple, violet, vibrant blue | Up to 1000x rarer than diamonds |
Symbolism and Metaphysical Beliefs
The sources do not explicitly detail the symbolism or metaphysical beliefs associated with either turquoise or tanzanite. However, the description of turquoise as being “blessed with an avid collector market” suggests a perceived value beyond its aesthetic qualities. The sources also mention that students exploring birthstones will uncover “mystical and mythical aspects linked to each stone,” indicating a historical and cultural association with deeper meanings.
Care and Cleaning
The provided sources do not offer specific guidance on the care and cleaning of turquoise or tanzanite.
Conclusion
Turquoise and tanzanite represent the captivating beauty of December’s birthstones. Turquoise, with its ancient history and diverse range of colors, continues to be a cherished gem, particularly within specific cultural contexts. Tanzanite, a more recent discovery, stands out for its exceptional rarity and unique color variations. Both gemstones offer a vibrant and distinctive addition to any jewelry collection, embodying the spirit of the winter season.